Local terrorists now in single digits in J&K: Army Chief

SRINAGAR — Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said that the terrorist recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir is almost non-existent and that local terrorists are now in single digits, indicating a positive change in the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters during his first press conference of 2026, General Dwivedi, as per the news agency KNO, said that since May 10 last year, the situation along the Western Front and J&K remains sensitive but firmly under control.

He said that in 2025, 31 terrorists were eliminated, of which 65% were Pakistan origin, including the three perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack who were neutralised in Operation Mahadev.

“Active local terrorists are now in single digits. Terrorist recruitment is almost non-existent, with only two in 2025. Clear indicators of positive change in J&K include robust development activity, revival of tourism and peaceful Amarnath Yatra, which saw more than four lakh pilgrims exceeding the five-year average. The theme of terrorism to tourism is gradually taking shape,” he said.

He also said that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, and a future misadventure will be resolutely responded to. “I must acknowledge the proactive role of all stakeholders at the national level, including CAPFs, intelligence agencies, civic bodies, state administration and other ministries,” he said.

He added that Operation Sindoor was the “best example of tri-service synergy under a clear-cut political directive and full freedom to act or respond”.

He said the army successfully destroyed seven out of the nine targets and that it was ready for a ground offensive.